Lyric Opera 2023-2024 Issue 1 - The Flying Dutchman

Todd Rosenberg Tour de Force “The show,” says Jill LeCesne Potter, Lyric’s Senior Director of Learning Programs, “was a triumph beyond measure.” That rave review of The Scorpion’s Sting is not just her personal assessment. Reactions “from students and teachers alike,” she notes, “featured words like ‘magnificent,’ ‘engaging and exciting,’ and ‘wonderful.’” The touring production of The Scorpion’s Sting was last season’s offering from the Opera in the Neighborhoods program, which brings live performances of youth-focused operas to venues throughout the Chicago area. The spring run was the program’s first attempt to bring Opera in the Neigborhoods literally back to the neighborhoods, after a creative variety of safe, more modestly scaled pandemic-era workarounds. Launched in 1994 with a one-hour version of Die Fledermaus , and performing other popular abridged operas throughout the years, Opera in the Neighborhoods now presents original works, commissioned from world- class composers, which explore themes relevant to young audiences. The program is produced through Lyric Unlimited, the company’s learning and engagement division. They may be chamber works, but this is no small- scale effort. Just like the productions on Lyric’s grand stage, Opera in the Neighborhoods productions feature compelling stage design, along with a company of After pandemic disruptions, the innovative and popular Opera in the Neighborhoods program returns to full strength with a full- edged tour. Scenic designs for the touring productions are fully original,professional works. By Alana Guggenheim